Informed consent: what do patients really want to know?

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Patient Communication
• Surgical Consent

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial in healthcare.
• Current practices often provide extensive patient information.
• Patient preferences for information quantity and type are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the desired amount and type of information patients want during informed consent.
• To investigate patient preferences regarding the timing and format of information delivery.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 212 oral surgery patients (18-50+ years).
• Patients were asked about their preferences for general and specific risk information.
• Inquiries included desired timing and format (written/verbal) of information.

Main Results:

• 57% desired information on all complications; 33% on common ones; 10% desired none.
• 78% preferred written and verbal information.
• Most patients wanted information before scheduling and immediately before surgery.
• Men showed a higher preference for specific risk details (lack of improvement, nerve damage).

Conclusions:

• Many patients desire comprehensive information regarding surgical risks.
• Current informed consent processes may provide more information than preferred by some patients.
• Tailoring information delivery based on patient preference is indicated.